Wish I could pretend that these were new beers (and post in the NBS thread), but that would be dishonest (aw, shucks)...

My first ever side-by-side tasting (horizontal tasting?) of the top three tripels:
So, I gathered my supplies: the same glasses (I only had these wine glasses), some palate-cleansing Saltines and pretzels, cold water, a bottle opener (duh!), and a notepad (oh, and stoppers, to keep the rest of the beers fresh for later, when I can finish them lol):
I poured the beers into the glasses (left to right), trying to keep the amounts the same...
Where the hell is the head on the La Fin Du Monde (LFDM)? (*deducts points*) - the Karmeliet went "Duvel" on me and nearly overflowed... Lookit the cat - curious, as expected lol
How they settled down:
Tried to eat a cracker/pretzel and drink some water between samples...
More curious: note how the cat has gotten closer (borderline creepy, right?)
This was great fun, BTW - got to try the top-rated tripels side-by-side - I had my predispositions and I wanted to see if they were accurate (couldn't do it blind, since I was the only participant)...
My results:
The Westmalle (WM) is the best tripel in the universe (yes, universe), followed oh-so-closely by the Karmeliet (TK)... the LFDM was a little off-tasting, even though it is currently ranked as the top tripel on the site. I find that the Unibroue beers (and Ommegang's stuff, too, BTW) have a very distinct yeast flavor (at least I think it's the yeast) that is a little "off" - should be no surprise that the Belgians do it best (IMO).

I thought the WM was the most beer-like and traditional, while the TK had an almost champagne-like character (that I love, BTW). The edge will go to the WM since it had the best head and lacing (yes, looks matter). The LFDM was sweeter, fruitier, chewier and had a spice character, as well as the aforementioned yeast character, that I didn't note in the other two. Maybe a lot of people like that, hence its currently higher rating. For my tastes, Westmalle and Karmeliet have the advantage, with the WM just a teensy bit more perfect; so I will finish the victorious Westmalle now:
Updated all my reviews, 'natch!

Peace out, beer-lovers!

Click to expand...

I totally agree with your results & opinions, and I am jealous looking at the photos.
WM & TK are the best of class - hands down (I actually can't decide on a winner between these two)

I'd like to add that La Fin Du Monde can be spectacular one bottle, good on another and... - meh - the next time. You just never know which it will be.

Well, hours after my tripel-tasting test earlier, I'm finally finishing off the La Fin du Monde (the Karmeliet went down with lunch - no pics lol)...
Much better initial head with the more appropriate glassware and pour, but it still slimmed down into a thin film within a few minutes of this pic...

Listening to the forthcoming Hatebreed album, The Divinity of Purpose, currently available streaming from their website (click the album cover to go to there ) ...

Considering I am not a big IPA guy, the Pallet Wrecker was outstanding. I also really dug the First Anniversary ale. They seemed to be really proud of their Serrano Double Stout (only 2 kegs made it to Colorado), but I don't get chilli beers at all.

Why don't these bastards date their cans? This one doesn't taste terribly fresh. May be an unfair disadvantage in the upcoming Heady/Hopslams/Pliny side by side I'm going to do. It's their own fault for not dating them.